WELCOME to the world of management, Phil Brown - lessons in football do not come a great deal harsher than this.

Derby could not have dominated a game away from home much more than they did on Humberside.

They could not have created more chances, nor had more shots - a staggering 25 in total.

They could not have looked much classier and Seth Johnson turned in a display that reminded those watching why Leeds splashed out £7million for a talented young midfielder all those years ago. And still they lost.

That it happened in such heartbreaking fashion left Brown stunned.

His side fell behind to a superb 11th-minute opener from Stuart Elliott, the Hull striker rounding off a classy move with a crisp first-time finish from 18 yards. It was the last meaningful shot they had on goal for 73 minutes.

In that time, Derby took control. Inspired by Johnson and Inigo Idiakez at the heart of midfield, they tore Hull to pieces.

Stern John almost scored an absolute screamer six minutes before half time, taking a Morten Bisgaard pass on his chest, shielding the ball as it came down and cracking a vicious volley off Bo Myhill's bar with the keeper nowhere. John did beat Myhill in the 54th minute with a header. Ref Andy Hall ruled it out for a push.

Two minutes later it didn't appear to matter. Johnson typically danced through the heart of the Hull defence.

The only way to stop him was illegally, Leon Cort sending the midfielder flying and from 12 yards Idiakez calmly bagged a penalty equaliser that looked for all the world as if it would be the platform to go on and win the game.

It should have happened. Sub Johnnie Jackson spurned a great chance when sent through by Johnson and Idiakez, Marcus Tudgay and Jackson again were all guilty of wasting excellent opportunities. It still didn't have the feel of a game that was about to turn on its head.

But from nothing, Marc Edworthy's dalliance on the edge of his own penalty area let in Chris Brown and in his haste to rectify the situation the Derby centre-half hauled the Hull forward down.

From the resulting penalty, City sub Stuart Green lashed home what turned out to be the winner - but not before more agony for Brown.